New version Garmin Mobile PC v.5.00.70

New update for Garmin Mobile PC has just been released (Feb 19, 2010). The version number is 5.00.70. The updated software contains no new features, but the list of fixes and improvements is rather impressive, as it contains over 70 items (too many to list here!).

I'm just in the process of downloading the 167 MB file, but some people have already reported their first experiences with the new version GMPC 5.00.70.

I personally am a bit hesitant to update, because the last two Garmin Mobile PC updates resulted in my navigation software not working. And just like then, even now I'm just about to do the update while on the road, and in the need of a navigation program. Luckily, if Garmin Mobile PC becomes unusable, I still have other software that can get me to my destination safely.

Just downloaded and tried it out. I will certainy say the update is worth it! The map navigation is MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother, no jerking at all. It's great. Hopefully they have exposed more areas of the program in the SDK as well.

Switching out of and back into the GPS skin in DFX4 leaves bits of the previous skin on-screen. Tapping the screen anywhere clears this up but it's a little ugly. Might be something to do with the overlay, I seem to recall someone mentioning something about that. I'll investigate further.

I have a 10Hz GPS unit and while it seems like the frame rate is higher than before, the updates are literally "2 steps forward, 1 step back". ie. driving along a road will show a number of updated frames moving forward then a frame moving backward (same map orientation and direction of travel, just a previous location) and then it moves forward again. It's almost like it's only checking the GPS at 1 or 2Hz, interpolating position between polls, overshooting and then correcting.

That extra framerate comes at a cost. I have my HD radio plugged into the on-board sound card up front and use the line-in plugin in Winamp to send the sound to the USB sound card in the trunk. This new update is such a CPU hog on my celeron1.2GHz that the sound skips when I have the map on-screen. The faster I drive, the worse it is.

Along with Lane guidance. Big cities like Houston have a tendency to put large signs up for example I-610N/I-610S in 1 1/4 miles. However... they don't tell you which lanes are for the exit...and it's a 6-8 lane highway. A little forewarning would be nice on situations like that.

I will be happy to help you out with this. Hopefully these features will be added in with a future update. As of right now there is no set date when they will be available . I will place this email into our suggestion box.

Original Message Follows: ------------------------
Escalation from KANA On Demand Self Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Feature additions: When will traffic routing and Lane Guidance be added? Also maps with better visibility of surrounding roads
Message: Add support for the above features. Those would make me switch to Garmin software in a heartbeat. Traffic Routing, Lane Guidance, and more detailed maps (iGuidance as an example lists surrounding road names and the names of POI)